...The Yakult Swallows announced that they will be holding a Kick-Off Ceremony on the 22nd. 500 tickets have been prepared and will be given away in pairs. Interested parties can submit their entries at the official Yakult Swallows site.

"It's really a simple thing. He's swinging the bat just a smidge too soon. With all the pressure to perform, maybe it's making him rush a little. I think that's why he might be pulling the trigger a little too soon.

"I think if he tries to go the other way, it'll help with his timing. But he's a top calibre player so he probably doesn't need me giving him any advice."

Said Shinozuka, "Korea has some really good pitchers so we'll need to create scoring situations. Bunting with no outs is a no brainer. And I think the players realize we might also be bunting with 1 out [depending on the situation]."

...Tatsunori Hara mentioned that he might be disclosing his starting lineup for tomorrow's game sometime today.

...It appears increasingly like that Team Korea's Shin-Soo Choomight have to skip out of this round of the WBC due to injury. It was also announced that Hyun-Jin Ryu will be making the start again Taiwan on the 6th. That means Kwang-Hyun Kim might be set to make a start on the 7th.

...Giants pitchers are telling Samurai Japan pitchers to aim for the inside portion of the strike zone against Team Korea batters. It'll be interesting if they make the necessary adjustments.

...Tatsunori Hara worked closely with Munenori Kawasaki and Norichika Aoki during yesterday's practice session. Between the two of them, he tossed 120 BP pitches over a 20 minute span.

...Dr. Kopa, well known for his Feng Shui advice, thinks that Matsuzaka should be made a closer because his "luck" this year isn't long-lasting, but good in short bursts. He says that the trio of Darvish, Iwakuma, and Tanaka would make a good threesome for the rotation.

On offense, he like's Ichiro's luck situation a lot. Dr. Kopa also believes that Fukudome and Iwakuma have good luck on their side.

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...Yuki Saitodidn't throw any pitches in the bullpen during yesterday's practice. Waseda University manager said that he wanted to give Saito some time to adapt to the warmer temperatures in Okinawa.

Saito's number will be 1 again this season (instead of the 11 some were pushing for him to take).

0 comments on “NPB: Yakult Kick-Off Ceremony; Shin-Soo Choo a no go for Korea?; and more…”

The manager (Shigeru Takada) and a few players (Yoshinori Sato, Ryoji Aikawa, and Masanori Ishikawa to name a few) will be there. I think there is also a plan to give out prizes and unveil new uniforms.

heh… I actually submitted an entry to see if I can squeeze in. I’m not really sure how they are going to make the final picks, so I have no idea how good my chances are, but if I can go, I’ll definitely bring my camera along.